Decoding Sylvia Plath's Lady Lazarus

Revised and expanded from the Fixed Stars Govern a Life: Decoding Sylvia Plath system (2014, Stephen F. Austin State University Press), Decoding Sylvia Plath’s “Lady Lazarus” is an affordable, concise, comprehensive analysis of Plath’s poem “Lady Lazarus,” written in a playful spirit that brings Plath out of the ashes of mere depressive autobiography and into the fascinating world of mysticism—in which Plath and her husband Ted Hughes had an intense interest.

See what the academics have missed for over 50 years. Explore Plath’s “Lady Lazarus” and how it perfectly aligns to reflect the “mirrors” of tarot and Qabalah, alchemy, mythology, history and the world, astrology and astronomy, and the arts and humanities. Gordon-Bramer surprises us with startling new insights and connections that, once seen, simply cannot be denied. She builds a strong case that we have yet to recognize Plath for her real genius and that Plath remains as relevant as ever.

Back cover text:

“Lady Lazarus”: More than just a hot mess

You get the sense already that Plath’s “Lady Lazarus” is a fierce, angry, feminist poem. But do you know why? Can you explain it beyond your personal feeling or Plath’s literal autobiography?



Fans: Discover the parallel themes of the Statue of Liberty, the abolitionist, the feminist, and other exciting facts within “Lady Lazarus” that scholars have missed for over 50 years

Poets & Writers: Judge for yourself how “Lady Lazarus” includes themes of Emma Lazarus’ poem “The New Colossus,” Sojourner Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?,” and the Egyptian Book of the Dead’s titles of Isis

Students:Understand all themes and meanings beyond the superficial; learn why Plath used Jewish and Holocaust references in “Lady Lazarus,” and enlighten your classmates to Plath’s higher goals

Teachers: Save time with a complete class plan, discussion questions and more

Decoding Sylvia Plath’s “Lady Lazarus” is the second in a series of Decoding books presenting Plath in compelling, original context, interpreted by the Fixed Stars Govern a Life: Decoding Sylvia Plath system, by author Julia Gordon-Bramer.

What readers are saying about the Decoding Sylvia Plath series:

“I am fascinated and intrigued by Julia Gordon-Bramer’s wildly and dizzyingly original readings of Sylvia Plath’s poems. Not only does she make me realize that I need to go back and read the poems again, she comes pretty close to convincing me that I have really never read them at all.”
—Troy Jollimore, National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry, Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts Recipient

“Julia Gordon-Bramer’s Decoding Sylvia Plath series presents the iconic poet in full three-dimensional view. Or six-dimensional, if you prefer. This Sylvia Plath is far more than the depressive, suicidal drama queen and father-hater depicted in easier accounts of the poet’s life. Plath emerges as the genius’s genius. Ms. Bramer’s tone adds enjoyment to her already rigorous and penetrating work.”
—Robert Nazarene, founding editor, The American Journal of Poetry

“This is a friendly, conversational approach so that students won't feel overwhelmed, and it talks about topics that other guides don't, allowing students to make original, insightful commentary on the work. The study guide is a worthwhile, useful investment for students.”
—Cathleen Allyn Conway, editor, Plath Profiles: An Interdisciplinary Journal for Plath Studies


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Author Julia Gordon-Bramer is a cross between Gregg Braden, who brings spirituality to science, and Jen Sincero, who brings spirituality to being a "Badass." With personality, clarity, and wit, this author, poet, scholar, professor and professional tarot card reader has spent the last decade interpreting Sylvia Plath's work through mysticism.